Current weather

Hilliard: Scout troops are safe places

published Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Boy Scout troops are safe places

In reference to Sunday’s Athens Banner-Herald report of awful experiences of young men abused by recently deceased Athenian Ernest Boland, my heart breaks at every single child who suffers abuse and lost innocence at the hands of trusted adults. Every single case of child abuse is reprehensible and without excuse.

And yet, in spite of the press accounts of abuse in the Boy Scouts of America over the past year, I continue to serve as a volunteer in that organization, and my children are very

active as well.

Why? Because I am convinced that due to structural changes in the BSA and increased vigilance by parents and the community, there are few safer organizations today than the BSA. With eyes wide open, I recognize that abuse is still possible, but I believe it is less likely in the BSA than just about any other place our children seek enrichment and growth opportunities.

The systematic program of background checks, youth protection training, buddy system, and above all, two-deep leadership at all times, virtually eliminates opportunities for child abuse. At the district and council level, I have personally observed the highest level of compliance with these policies, and I ensure their application in the units with which I am involved.

Boy Scouts offer so many great things to children and their families. And though it’s small comfort to those who have suffered abuse in the past, their tragedies can at least show the fruit of a vastly improved system that makes abuse far less likely in the future.

I wish the reporting of the Boland case had brought these changes to light.

Jim Hilliard

OnlineAthens.com aims to foster constructive, respectful civic conversation. With your help, we will provide a friendly, safe, easy to use place on the Web for everyone in the area to share not only opinions but also information of community interest. Racist, harassing, abusive and libelous comments will not be tolerated.